'Very high level': Coach's praise for in-form Tai
Written By
Jordan McArdle
Webster had enjoyed a purple patch since recovering from an ankle issue early in the NBL24 season.
He’s amassed 20-plus points in two of his last three outings and is averaging 18.7 points, five assists and 1.7 steals during that time, while shooting at 68.6 per cent from the field and 41.7 per cent from the three-point arc.
The Wildcats have won 13 of their last 15 games, including six in a row to just to second on the ladder, after starting the season with a 2-5 record.
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Rillie said he never lost faith in what the energetic New Zealander could produce on the floor, which has come to fruition in recent weeks.
“He’s been fantastic when we’ve been on this stretch over the last couple of months,” Rillie said.
“He was probably the guy who was trying to figure out where he fit in with this group.
“Playing with a dynamic player like ‘BC’ (Bryce Cotton) in the back-court, and he’s a dynamic player himself, so (it was about) just seeing where he fits in and his teammates understanding to utilise his skillset in the right moment as well.
“I never went away from believing in what Tai could do for this team, we had to bring that out of him and it just took a little bit of time.
“You can see, probably over the last two or three weeks he’s been playing at a very high level.”
The Wildcats' next assignment is Thursday night's Member Recognition Round clash against Illawarra at RAC Arena.
Tai Webster’s last four games
V Breakers on Jan 7: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
V Phoenix on Jan 13: 20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
V Bullets on Jan 19: 20 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal
V Kings on Jan 21: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
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